After spending much of the season trying to fill vacancies created by injuries, the Nationals are about to get a couple of key veterans back from the disabled list.

Both Chad Tracy and Jayson Werth are expected to be activated off the DL during this week's homestand, with Tracy perhaps joining the active roster as soon as tomorrow.

Werth probably needs a few more days on his rehab assignment with Class AAA Syracuse, though the outfielder (who broke his left wrist on May 6) has begun to swing a hot bat. After going hitless in his first 12 at-bats, he enters tonight's game against Lehigh Valley having reached base in six of his last eight plate appearances with three singles, a double and two walks.

Werth has played seven total games on rehab, and both he and the Nationals prefer he spend a bit more time getting his timing down before he comes off the DL. That move could happen in time for this weekend's four-game series against the Marlins.

Tracy, meanwhile, is 6-for-9 with a homer and three RBI over the last three days with Syracuse. He's appeared in 11 total games withRead more »

Got new posted, so I thought I'd repost this here:I'm glad my comment on JZnn started a very interesting discussion about our two incredible young starters. It even led me to temporarily suspend my peric moratorium as it was clear from the responses that he was making an interesting argument with a minimum of name calling (for him). One of the reasons I decided to talk about JZnn was the point highlighted later by SCNatsFan — he's the template for Stras. Many commenters have noted that they expect Stras to be both dominant and more consistent next year. I definitely agree. When you add Znn's consistency, unflappability and durability to Stras's raw talent and pure stuff, you have a pitcher for the ages. That's going to be very fun to watch. And I completely agree with Ghost that Gio needs to up his game to keep up. He seems very competitive. I bet he does it.This year, if I had to pick our starter for that one must win game, and as we all know we won't have to because Stras will be shut down, I'm with what seems to be a slight majority of commenters who would go with JZnn. Take a look at Stras's 20 starts this year. He's been tremendous in the majority. But he's pitched less than 6 innings in 25% of them. He gets overly emotional and lets the elements and the umpires affect him too much. In contrast, as SteadyEddie points out, Znn doesn't let anything get under his skin. That's who I want on the mound in a game we absolutely have to win.On a less serious note, wouldn't it be perfect symmetry if we could trade H-Rod for Bonifacio since we traded Bonifacio for Willingham and Willingham for H-Rod?

Ghost of Steve M-Sorry, just having a little fun with the Werth back to catcher story. Realized it would upset people so I took it down. I honestly doubt most anybody would have believed it in the first place, but you never know. Certain people might have tried to get me arrested for libel. As I was writing it, it occured to me that it wasn't actually that crazy of an idea…I mean, it is not like our catchers are throwing people out anyways.

With over 24 hours to go until the next game, I recommend checking out the NL leaderboard for the various hitting categories. With the exception of Zim being tied for ninth in runs scored, Harper tied for seventh in triples, and LaRoche tied for 10th in sacrifice flies, Nats hitters are simply absent. (Well, Zim is also tied for 2nd in GIDP and Espi is 3rd in Ks.) So the best team in the NL has no standout hitter. All the other leading teams have a leading hitter — Votto for the Reds, McCutcheon for the Pirates, Bourn for the Braves, Kubel for the D-Backs, Cabrera for the Giants. The only other team that's similar is the Dodgers, but that's mostly because Kemp was injured for so long.No leaders, but the best record in the league. I'll definitely take that over Adam Dunn's 31 HRs and Willingham's 27.

Section 222 – that's because this is a true team where no one is a star and every one is a star. It's also one of the reasons that they can keep on going when they lose someone. I like it this way – it's more democratic. ( don't get excited – that's a lower case d, not a capital D)

222 — That lack of stats leaders is testament to the rotating cast of offensive leaders this season. In April and May it was LaRoche and Tracy, in late May and June it as Desi, then Ryan took his mirachle shot and has carried the team along with a finally fully healed Morse and Espi. In the long run, it is going to serve this team better to have had so many offensive leaders, rather than relying on one hot bat.

Activate Goon Squad in 5…4…3…2…1, or something like that. Speaking of which, did Corey Brown earn an official Goon Squad t-shirt the other day?Good that Werth is taking his time in the interest of being 100 percent when he gets here.

I honestly doubt most anybody would have believed it in the first place, but you never know.Kind of like telling F&I that the Orioles traded Jake Arrieta for Ryan Dempster … and saying they announced Dempster would give them top of the rotation starts for the next five years.

I guess peric might go for it… 😉He'd have to fight Harper for that job. Harper would be all over it. Wonder if they'd ever consider letting Harper play winter ball and catching? The injury risk might not make it worth it … still … it is something Bryce really likes and wants to do.

Or like telling Peric that the 2015 NL All Star team won't include Matt Skole, Eury Perez, Corey Brown, Tyler Moore and Jeff Kobernus…oh yeah, and Rendon, Giolito, Rosenbaum and David Freitas…who am I missing Peric???

222, thanks for the 1 game due or die post. Overshadows the arm chair GMs (althougth F&I @6:14, that was funny)My choice: JZ. Until SS can show some onions on the mound at ALL times and not get flustered by Hot Stuff, Weather, Heat, or a bad ump I am sticking with JZ. I thought Davey's choice of starting him #1 out of the break was telling, he just set the rotation the rest of the way – however long that lasts (and it should last well into the remainder of the year).

I thought Davey's choice of starting him #1 out of the break was telling, he just set the rotation the rest of the way – however long that lasts (and it should last well into the remainder of the year).A lot of that is because Stras is going to get shutdown. And Stras knows it just like JZimmnn did. And toward the end JZimmnn had his share of hiccups. Who knows how much that shutdown or the threat of it occurring affected those two 1 year a part emotionally? You just don't.

I think at one point they said that Lombo would learn how to be the emergency catcher. I am sure that the current situation changes that. At one point Davey and Rizzo said about Bryce – no way, no how. I think it's usually someone who either volunteers because they want to be useful at all times, or a bench player that is appointed. It's never someone really important or the only one who plays a position. Werth would probably be on the dl quicker than Leon was.Maybe Mark could ask?

Werth would probably be on the dl quicker than Leon was.Could make Werth, worth the money when he very soon turns into a bench player. If he could actually catch and do it well. He could make himself indispensable until retirement.

Michelle, I agree that F&I @6:14 was very funny. And I agree with your take on Znn vs. Stras. Had forgotten about Hot Stuff. The Fox, if you're still reading, I never thought you were an idiot at all, and I seriously doubt anyone else did. We simply disagreed, but you expressed your position well.

For those of you that have MLB Network, I have been assured that in 9 pm hour Billy Ripken will be discussing the Nats and he won't like it. Snicker. I think I am sort of Stalking Rip to ensure he starts drinking the koolaid.

Jose Reyes scorches a ball down the right field line, it bounces around a little and he ends up on …… second base? He could have crawled to second base faster. Do the fish hate us so much that they are willing to hand it to the Braves? It's going to be very strange in August and September when absolutely every team wants to spoil things for the nats. We used to do that – it was a lot of fun. Gulp.

Peric, would you bench a $126M +RF who has a no trade clause? Really? You need to work in reality and not in your Prospect world where the Chiefs become the starting lineup for the Nats.I honestly don't think you enjoy the current Nats winning. I am sure if we make the playoffs you will find something to complain about. That just seems to be your nature and quite frankly that is just sad.

Werth was hitting well before his injury. What I think really is helpful is in the late innings defensively. The Nats could go with Harper, Shark and Werth in the outfield which could make that the quickest one in MLB

I remember……..wait a minute….I don't remember anybody.Beyond ridiculous.Supporting my contention that Werth would actually be "worth" his salary and not be Werth-less if he did that. Don't you think? Of course its nigh onto impossible! But for what he is being paid a bench bat ought to try.

The Nats could go with Harper, Shark and Werth in the outfield which could make that the quickest one in MLBThe Oriole's would be better any younger. Besides you are leaving off Morse.Morse in left. Werth in right. Harper in center. Bernadina and Moore on the bench. Don't like it? Bench Werth. If they play him and it breaks the delicate chemistry Rizzo and Johnson are purportedly so worried about? And they start to lose as they did last year when his bat was pathetic? Then what?

@Swami: I was thinking the same thing. I thought for sure it was a triple for Reyes. Heck, I was even thinking he might try for an insider. I look up and Smiley is standing on second! Amazing.Quit much, Ozzie?

@MicheleS: Sunday is Mickey Morse bobblehead, and I know you're a sucker for free stuff.Care to spend the afternoon in the shade down the first base line?I'll meet you at noon, center field gate. Tix on me.

Peric, would you bench a $126M +RF who has a no trade clause? Really? You need to work in reality and not in your Prospect world where the Chiefs become the starting lineup for the Nats.1. You haven't been reading have you? But then you may be illiterate I suppose? Haven't you read Kilgore's article on this? Amanda's? Mark's? 30 out of 40 players currently on the 40-man roster came from that system either via the draft, minor league trade, rule 5 draft (Flores) but all spent time in the system and ARE the major contributors to this winning team you are Woooohooooing' about? Another beyond ridiculous post by MicheleS. YES THE STARTING LINEUP FOR THE NATS IS MADE UP OF MOSTLY EX-SYRACUSE CHIEFS. Do I need to list them or are you that stupid MicheleS?2. SF ran into the same problem with a certain starting pitcher who finally, this year is earning his Werthian salary. The Nats can and will bench Werth in spite of his salary if he isn't good enough to start.

This last week has had more storylines than daytime tv. I was watching Heyward hit a home run and felt a little shudder. Then I remembered this – our pitching staff handled David Wright and Ryan Braun, 2 of the best hitters in baseball, really, really well. I don't have stats to back this up, but I believe they both hit well under their numbers in our series, and I also don't think we intentionally walked them at all. Of course a little slap hitter like Aoki hits one out……….whatever.

Peric just proved why he is an Arm Chair GM and not a real GM.Some people just never learn. You don't follow the Nats MicheleS you just WoooooHooo when they win. They might as well be a Chia Pet to you.

Werth will never play an inning at the catcher position for the rest of his career. In an emergency Harper would likely get the shot first, and that is not happening either. On the current roster, I'd guess DeRosa and Lombardozzi and Moore would all get sacrificed first. Heck, they'll activate Pat – they amputed my knees – Corales before they will put either Harper or Werth behind the plate. BTW, one of the most memorable games I ever went to — Tippy Martinez picked off 3 runners in the inning. Sakata was catching. I think Lowenstein was at second and Roenicke at third or something ridiculous like that. Said Martinez: I threw to Murray at third, because he was the only one in the infield I knew. (rough approximation).

I honestly don't think you enjoy the current Nats winning. I am sure if we make the playoffs you will find something to complain about. That just seems to be your nature and quite frankly that is just sad.Maybe you should drop the gender bias and ask MicheleS to dial it back Swami … MicheleS is not a nice or good person by any stretch of the imagination as much as she believes she is and deserves it.

Peric, was referring to the Current Chiefs or Senators or P Nats roster that you are always touting. You just can't be happy that we are winning now can you? You have been touting Maya/Z Dukes over Lannan and who pitched the DH game last week Lannan. You have also been touting guys that haven't played ball above AA to replace MLB players. Get over yourself. Your pompous and condescending attidude toward anyone that disagrees with you is unbecoming and churlish.

none of which invalidates the point that Werth will play full time – he will – when healthy, but catcher will not be the position. And Werth is definitely valuable. Count me among his most ardent supporters. He had a bad year in 2011, not a bad career. And the decision to sign and pay for him was a good one. (one other Orioles related comment, I saw him introduced after the draft in Baltimore. That may have been the last year anyone thought he was a catcher)

Your pompous and condescending attidude toward anyone that disagrees with you is unbecoming and churlish.As I said this is not a nice person. Not a good person. She deserves every slam I direct her way. And she has proven it.

You have also been touting guys that haven't played ball above AA to replace MLB players.And Lannan got shelled again in AAA. Davey himself was touting Zach Walters as a potential fill-in at shortstop and he just got promoted from Potomac? What does that say about Davey Johnson?Again, MicheleS, you don't know thing one about baseball.

However, I think he'll be just fine, certainly better than Bernadina.We'll see. Bernadina has been pretty clutch and we all remember Werth last year … not all that different from another high paid player named Austin Kearns.

NatsLady, saw the highlights of a couple of plays with the Reds/pads, things look to be getting interesting there. Kind of suprised by the reds getting shelled so early. Leake didn't even last 2 innings and Simon as the human towel isn't going so well either.

NatsLady, I thought LaRoche was the emergency pitcher? Didn'the pitch in college or something like that? I would hate to ever see him come in and pitch or catch. I don't think his back could take catching even for an inning.

My recollection is that Lombo is the emergency catcher, and LaRoche is the emergency pitcher. Of course, the chances of an emergency are awfully slim. Not sure why we spend so much time discussing it. I just tuned in to MLBNetwork and Billy is on. Has he already done his Nats thing?

I'm going to a dagnabbit family reunion this weekend and missing the doubleheader and Saturday, BUT I'm leaving earlier than the rest of the family because of Michael Morse bobblehead day. I'm on first base side, too — I'd love to see MichelleS and meet Sunshine Bobby, finally! Can I horn in on saying hi? I land at DCA at 11:00.

Just wanted to say hi to MichelleS – looks like Peric has hijacked this site and taken it to a lower level & I am not even reading his posts!My thoughts are Werth deserves to start, not because of salary, in fact the salary is or should not be a factor. That is done with and any manager that starts salary over ability will not last long. Werth is quite simply the best right fielder on this team. He is one of the few who have been in a playoff hunt and a World Series and changed the makeup and personality of this team last year even when he was not playing well. I am not sure how many posts Peric has made on Werth but I am sure he has not put any facts with his posts, just his usual venom.LannEn proved him wrong and Werth will as well. I honestly do believe he is happier when things are not going well for the Nationals and its probably that way in lots of other areas as well.You take care MichelleS and stay above the frayGo Nats!

Sec 222 – it's because we get really bored and kind of squirrelly when the nats aren 't playing. As opposed to getting tense and hyperventilating when they are playing. Trade deadline tomorrow. All quiet in DC?

JaneB.. True Dedication.. leaving the family reunion for the Sunday game. Love it! I have pretty much handed out the Nat's home schedule to family and friends and told them not to bother me! And Sunshine and I have met! (and i met his wife too!)

MicheleS – Justins this Tuesday, Friday & on Saturday we have the picnic before the game for STH. I nabbed two red carpet for that game and my rep says that is all I needed. Hope to see you at one of theseGo Nats!!

SJM308.. the moratormium has been declared and I choose to abide by it. I am bumbing that I won't make it to Justin's this week. 4 Games and no chance to go. GRRR, hate when you have to go with work people or small underage children.

I recommend the peric moratorium. I am a happier person because of it, and I haven't missed any cogent baseball analysis, that's for sure.Talk about arrogant and pathetic 222? This is where the bold comes in handy. I LOVE the makeup of this ROSTER JUST THE WAY IT IS! I don't want it changed with Jayson Werth or even with Chad Tracy! It takes at bats, and reps away from young players who have worked extremely hard IN OUR SYSTEM … overcoming untold adversity to get here. AND THEY ARE PERFORMING ADMIRABLY beyond the wildest expectations.It only figures that a silly fool like 222 or MicheleS would want to change and risk a losing streak? That is the ultimate in foolhardy stupidity. I can't characterize it any other way. Going YOUNG has worked and worked so well every team starting with the Astros and soon the Phillies will be following suit.Werth is 33 going on 34 he doesn't fit.

peric…. I disagree, Tracy's post season experience is quite valuable as it was in AZ, Werth can only help post season wise as well.You have to get there first. And its the YOUTH coming up from Syracuse that are leading the way. And will have the energy to see it through. Werth was completely worthless last season when he was needed most. That's what I go by. When he wasn't surrounded by a team of in their prime all stars. This YOUNG team has none of that yet they are winning. And that's what counts.

peric… herin lies why Werth is valuable… he has solid players around him as he did in Philly, he was batting about 280 before his injury. I do not see how he is a liability. I only see an upside with him as of now

sec 222, all i ask is that SI does not put Nats on the cover, lol, nad yes… i believe in the SI curseI'm not worried about that. Harper has already been on it and all over it as has Stras. The jinx is already all used up.

peric… herin lies why Werth is valuable… he has solid players around him as he did in Philly, he was batting about 280 before his injury. I do not see how he is a liability. I only see an upside with him as of nowYou're looking at his batting average. He appears to lost his power and extra base hit capability according to stats. In Zimmerman's case it was the injury … that I knew … but Werth? It's age. Like DeRosa he belongs on the bench.

Mick, you realize if these two come back and change the dynamic you'll be the first one yelling and screaming about it. And Davey will be telling you to be patient and let them get their timing and what all back? They should stick with the horse that brung 'em and that horse is the BOYS FROM SYRACUSE!

peric… now wait, as far as Tracy goes, his role will be another pinch hitter and that only gives the Nats another weapon and creates headaches for opposing pitchers. How does Tracy disruupt anything??As far as Werth goes, I think Davey will be careful and cautious with using him.

Swami, i saw that Correia asked to be traded. That can't be good. I don't think Ross would do anything like that (or at least I hope not) because he would probably be the one that got sent to the pen. I don't think Rizzo goes after a SP rentalAnd it looks like Reed Johnson just got traded… not sure who, but he just left the game.

Good grief. For the record I am quite confident that Michele is a good person (never met, but often read). Perhaps she is an exceptional person. As are many of the good posters here. I'd like to think of myself as a good person as well, but I have grown exceptionally tired of the acerbic diatribe of the attacking poster. I am now thinking very bad thoughts. Oh yes, its good to be bad sometimes.

Pittsburgh friends tell me that this is causing big time problems with fans who support the guy who got them this far, better record, better era. Loyalty issues regular guy and new guy. Not the same as the det situation. Clubhouse divided there, organization saying everything is good.

Michele- Pitt fans telling me fans and clubhouse divided . Regular guy with better record, era, who got them where they are and new guy brought in. Not quite the same as det situation. Organization saying all good, maybe not.

Cubs playing good baseball. Anthony Rizzo looking like a potential superstar. Kid has 31 HR in 360 AB this year (including AAA) and 8 with the Cubbies. Another player, like Trout, who came up and went back down before figuring it out. Starting to wonder about Harper. He keeps slumping and he is going to find himself on the bench or back in AAA. Hitting .232 with 1 HR and 20 K's in July is not good. I have no doubt he will get out of it, but how long can the Nats wait on him. I guess we will find out.

For Mick, Rizzo on trade deadline transaction: "I'm going in to take a nap. When I wake, if the money's on the table, I'll know I have a player. If it isn't, I'll know I don't." (Okay, it was II, not I, but the quote fit better. :-))

Sunshine, I'd love to meet you at noon at the CF gate. I'll have on a blue Curlie W hat and (my Tyler Clippard red shirt). I do have tickets though thank you for the offer! How fun that I will get to meet the original mixologist of the Bourbon and Maalox cocktail!

Peric:I'm at a loss to understand your rudeness.Don't you see that the completely unnecessary sandbox shtick erodes any credibility and good will you build through intelligent discourse?You really don't have to be mean-spirited.

peric… now wait, as far as Tracy goes, his role will be another pinch hitter and that only gives the Nats another weapon and creates headaches for opposing pitchers. How does Tracy disruupt anything??Someone has to go. Its probably Corey Brown but it could one of the eight relievers. Davey said from the beginning of the season he only needed 6 he is carrying eight right now. My guess? Given Brown's offensive performance in Syracuse which really was the best that any prospect has done there since the team arrived in Washington … consider that … but detractors will point to his age. So? Lots of guys who are older and younger have never come close. My guess is that they put someone on the DL in order to activate Tracy and add another left-handed bat and a backup for LaRoche. Its Tracy that will go in from here on out while LaRoche recovers. It may in fact be LaRoche who goes on the DL.Both Brown and Moore provide the potential of extremely potent bats to a lineup that has often been bereft on the edge of being pathetic at times this season. And Davey remembers and is a big proponent of trying to spark something from the bench. And that's why Bernadina is starting right now because he was doing that.I suspect Davey will try to find a way to keep both. Both players have graduated its time they were used in the major leagues.

Only mentioned the Pittsburgh situation because we had been talking a lot about not wanting to upset the chemistry. Yes, I am slightly concerned about what will happen this week, during some divisional play ( I don't care what their records are, they will show up to play), when the roster gets another tweak or two. Hoping the guys can maintain their balance and not lose focus. They all seem pretty level.Just don't want any big surprises at this point. How many of those guys on the bubble are losing sleep right now wondering if they will be the one sent down?

Glad you enjoyed it, Mick. ;-)Doesn't look like the Fish will be any help tonight. Dang.Watched MLB Network hoping to see Ripken giving the Nats some credit but as Michele noted, he didn't say all that much about them. Oh, well. Probably pained him to say even that. Baby steps.

You really don't have to be mean-spirited.Your definition of rude and mean spirited appears to be gender biased:MicheleS: NatsJack, and I will personally be giggling when Werth is not benched. (She and Natsjack have a little junior high clique think its fun to poke at Peric awww ain't that cute? And 222, SJM308, whatsanatta want to join.)MicheleS: I am sure if we make the playoffs you will find something to complain about. That just seems to be your nature and quite frankly that is just sad. MicheleS: Peric just proved why he is an Arm Chair GM and not a real GM. MicheleS: Peric, was referring to the Current Chiefs or Senators or P Nats roster that you are always touting. You just can't be happy that we are winning now can you? You have been touting Maya/Z Dukes over Lannan and who pitched the DH game last week Lannan. You have also been touting guys that haven't played ball above AA to replace MLB players. Get over yourself. Your pompous and condescending attidude toward anyone that disagrees with you is unbecoming and churlish.From my perspective I believe people here like to pile on. I have been dealing with that with this blog and NJ since 2005.They do the same thing to JayB who really DOES know what he is talking about when he comes to baseball. He can seem very negative because like a few of us here he has suffered with the losing for so long. His warnings about the lack of an International presence and International signings are dead spot on. And he was railing about that more than 2 years ago. I am happy to dish it right back in spades. Strangely enough I have fun doing it because these people seem to be sycophants who typically deserve it. Even when they say they don't read … the do … Alt.flame lives.

LOL, the Angels' relief pitcher comes in gives up 5 earned and gets a save… Strange things going on tonight.A lot of good teams have projects like H-Rod. They are always looking ahead and that's what keeps them competitive.

Oh, I don't know anything about the pitcher. He went 4 innings and got the save the loooooong way. I doubt he's a "project," his ML debut was in 2003. I was just amused by the save statistic in this case.

Ha, Jerome Williams: a nine-year project. Got Mock beat by 4 years, if I understand that discussion–which I wasn't paying much attention to. That's better'n Sandy Koufax! They need to work on the save stat. It's almost as useless as pitcher wins in determining the value. (Not claiming that as an original thought.)

Well,the Padres just beat the Reds, so it's official. We are the BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL, record wise. Ah heck, WE ARE OFFICIALLY THE BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL!!!!! I know i said a month ago I didn't like the "we're still in first place" comments, but dammit, I'm hyped. Let's sweep the philthies, and GYFNG!!!!!!!

Drew said… Peric: I'm at a loss to understand your rudeness. Don't you see that the completely unnecessary sandbox shtick erodes any credibility and good will you build through intelligent discourse? You really don't have to be mean-spirited.To understand Peric's rudeness, you just need to remember his favorite pseudo stat and what it stands for.

Ok – we have lots of wins in the bank – more than we had in some whole seasons and it's not August yet. HOWEVER – I better not see any posters talking about how easy this week is going to be. Remember when we were under .500 how we came out gunning for the top team? These guys are going to come in here just loaded up and ready to spoil us. That's basically all they have to live for at this point. The baseball gods hate smugness and arrogance. One game at a time, a full 61 yet to play. Marathon,not a sprint, yadda,yadda, yadda. No jinxing it, please.

I've never posted in the year I've been reading this site. I enjoy hearing what others have to say. But let me tell you this. This Peric vs. everybody is really OLD. Period. It's not baseball, it garbage. So can I suggest please that you guys just cut it out. Ignore him if you wish, but don't respond, there's too much of this in the news every night for me to have to read this junk, and it's impossible scroll through without encountering it. Just STOP.

I better not see any posters talking about how easy this week is going to be. Remember when we were under .500 how we came out gunning for the top team? Atlanta just picked up a pretty decent left-handed starter and they are breathing down the Nat's necks. Not to mention the wild card teams. They have to win all of these games and put the stake in the Philthies heart. Then filet the fish. Because Atlanta did it and how.That is HUGE pressure.

Well, well, well. Our once and future Mike MacDougal got the win for the Chiefs. Werth hit a double, and Chad Tracy was 2 for 4.No earned runs allowed by any of the pitchers including MacDougal and only 2 walks. You can attribute a good bit of that to Koyie Hill.

Since the save became an official stat in 1969, just six pitchers had given up five runs and earned a save. The last was Seattle’s Mark Huisman on July 12, 1986. Just like Williams, he pitched four innings and gave up five runs in a rout. Despite Williams’ shaky performance, the Angels beat the Rangers 15-8 tonight.The record for the most runs allowed in a save is eight. Minnesota’s Dave Goltz did that in the second game of a doubleheader in 1973.–Hardball Talk

ThomasBoswellWP: If Braves get 30-yr-old LHer Paul Maholm (62-79, 4.30 ERA), they just added the equivalent of the Nats (AAA) John Lannan, 27, (39-51, 3.99).But the Nats have Detwiler in that slot who is younger, less experienced but has better stuff. So, Nats rotation still superior … but the Braves bullpen is on par with the Nats I guess …

Koyie Hill is as responsible for that as is Alexander Cartwright!!! Crash Davis certainly didn't help Nuke Laloosh, or I would have seen him in a major league game.Then, its a real shame Doug Harris and Beasley don't agree with you F&I because that's who writes reports on those players and sends them to Rizzo , Clark, Minniti et al.

Actually, Soriano has worked hard to improve his fielding, is having a good year offensively and played through a lot of injuries. Not saying it makes him worth anything close to his salary, but he shouldn't be a laughingstock.

Ha, peric. Are they going to play at the ML level this season? Vizcaino may be the Cub's version of either Mattheus or JZimmnn as he is recovering from TJ but is said to have filthy stuff. I think we may see a lot of teams modeling themselves after the Nats. Given what they've seen this year.

Wish I was joining y'all at the Park this weekend but long awaited vacation calls. I'm going to the game tomorrow night and then up to Grand Manan island to see puffins (actually on a neighboring island) and then central Maine, so I broke down and got MLBTV for a month and will hunt out wifi sites at the appropriate times.Filet some Fish for me, will ya guys?And I suspect, regardless of what we do or don't say here, our guys on the field are taking no team for granted. It was at least somewhat satisfying in the past 2-3 years to knock off contending teams in September to take out our frustrations at being out of it, and there are plenty of folks wearing the curly W who remember what the frustrated team brings to the games against a contender.

Not saying it makes him worth anything close to his salary, but he shouldn't be a laughingstock.I agree he really hasn't been that bad but the Cubs look at him as an albatross and the veritable avatar of recent bonehead mistakes in managing the payroll and roster. Having him invoke his privilege not allowing a deal to a winning team like the Giants seems awfully anal don't you think? He has to know they want him gone why would he do that? Word is his big problem is in the clubhouse more than the field. Makeup / chemistry.

Not sure on the word, because I heard differently, that he has become a clubhouse leader… Also, heard that Giants (or any other team) want the Cubs to eat enough of Soriano's salary that they can release him without financial distress. That doesn't make a guy want to accept a trade.

Bowden is reporting that Soriano himself refused to go to the Giants. You can take Bowden as a reputable source or not … sometimes he is right on the money … he was about the Gio trade which initially upset me quite a bit. Losing all of those prospects really hurt at the time.

Both Kevin Correia of the Pirates and Schierholtz of the Giants have requested trades. Lannan-esque. Have to wonder if Lannan recanted and withdrew his request?The thinking is they may be accommodated tonight.

When Stras is benched, that will give the FO an excuse for having the Braves overtake the Nats. But, in actuality, it won't change the outcome. The Nats have the team, now, to go all the way. But, not this year. There is still work to be done.

I worked a long day yesterday, finally had time to try to catch up on my favorite baseball blog. I read through 211 posts, almost a third of them from one poster, and a large portion of them were mean spirited, snotty personal attacks against other posters, especially the ladies on this blog. It's quite obvious that this guy doesn't like women. I always cast a wary eye at a man that doesn't like women.

Now you're talking, terpman. Here's to the Nats – cheers. :-)terpman33 said… Well,the Padres just beat the Reds, so it's official. We are the BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL, record wise. Ah heck, WE ARE OFFICIALLY THE BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL!!!!! I know i said a month ago I didn't like the "we're still in first place" comments, but dammit, I'm hyped. Let's sweep the philthies, and GYFNG!!!!!!! July 30, 2012 11:02 PM

How many players are going to walk around on eggshells today? If your manager or GM even looks at you , you could be leaving or being sent down to make room for a new guy. Speaking of which, has the Tracy/back to AAA situation happened yet?

Really dumb of Boswell to try to compare career stats when analyzing the an acquisition in the middle of a pennant race. So, if the Nats convinced Pudge to come out of retirement, would it be valid to compare Pudge's career stats to McCann's to claim that the Nats are as solid behind the plate as Atlanta.Maholm is 9-6 3.74 ERA this year with the crappy Cubs and 1.2 WHIP. In his last 6 starts Maholm has pitched into the 7th in each game and has not given up more than 1 earned run. Yes, Lannan may have been an equal or better pitcher than Maholm in 2009 and 2010, but not now. Really hate when someone who knows better throws out a totally irrelevant stat to try to prove a point. Still like the Nats chances to finish ahead of the Braves, but to try to claim Maholm and Lannan are equals right now is really stupid.Mike Rizzo would take Paul Maholm right now ten times out of ten over Jon Lannan.